Market Notes
August 3, 2017
IT’S TOO DARN HOT
The rain was necessary and restrictive but this heat is downright oppressive. It is most certainly a bad time to be a baby green. This began a few weeks ago with the wilting of the arugula followed quickly by the browning of the spinach. Then the baby heads felt the heat and said no. As of today even our value added BMX is limited. Salinas and points south are experiencing incredibly high temperatures with most days in triple digits and nights no cooler than eighty. Fortunately this heat wave has not hit every growing area in central California but there has been impact on the availability of most baby green products. Mesclun, cilantro, mustard, spinach, chard, tat-soi, bok choy, baby lettuces, parsley, and mizuna are all scarce. Allocations are imminent and early ordering along with efficient pick up is highly recommended. We do have other baby lettuce options in Oxnard and Miami but we are going to need at least three weeks of cooperative weather in central California before good volume is restored. Pricing and availability are changing daily. On a brighter note, frisee, radicchio and Trevissano are available, in great supply with very aggressive pricing. Please check with your Culinary rep for details.
HARVEST MOON – TOO LATE OR TOO SOON
While there is great honor and joy in introducing a new product, it does not come without its share of frustrations. The opportunity and challenge is made greater when the product is not what it appears to be. Like an M&M filled with shrimp, the Harvest Moon potato’s smooth purple skin yields to the brightest yellow flesh on the market. But how can you show a brilliant interior when the exterior is subtle and smooth? Apparently people are listening now that we are out of them. We are getting regular requests for this tasty spud and while we had hoped for a California harvest, these acers were also affected by the Bakersfield heat wave and melted in the ground. Our next harvest of the greatest chipping and frying potato since the beginning of whenever will be in mid-September when we will have product available in both northern and southern Colorado. Product will be available both organically and conventionally and packaging is available for food service and retail. Shipping should begin in early October with promotional deals and on-site demos.
TASTY SPORES
Correction. The week after we report that Morels are done we come across a flush of gray Morels from Canada. This won’t last long so if you’re interested, jump now or make believe last week’s report was correct.
NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – – WHO AM I??
Over 7,000 years old and I am still one of the top three pulses in the world. Four Thousand years ago I claimed the number one spot in India, and I remain there, even today. Wanna know how to get to the top? Here’s how I did it. First, you’ve just got to be part of the in crowd. For me, that meant hangin’ with the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians. In order to hang with the myths and legends, I used color and shape. “Small ram”, was my flashy nickname used to describe my rams head profile. Then I became every color I could. Ranging from creamy beige to black, green, yellow, red or brown would easily let folks know I was in town. Maintaining accessibility was essential. No tall trees or stringy vines for me, no sir! I live with a couple of relatives in a lovely green pod on a breathtaking view of our feathery fronds. Longing for prosperity, I adapted quickly to the warm dry climate in the Middle East and surrounding Mediterranean areas. Making sure I could be useful everywhere I made it known that I was not only edible fresh, but my seeds, when dried, could be used as a paste, flour, legume, as well as a fresh vegetable. To maintain a little excitement with my nutty flavor, I traded in some protein for some fat. Lacking specific amino acids is my big flaw and I will never be that complete protein I’ve dreamt of. I am an excellent source of folic acid and potassium. Earning a reputation as a good source of fiber has taken me over the top and my fame is spread throughout the planets. I’m rising in stature in the Middle East as we speak, and just after conquering Europe. Am I on a roll (no, but I’m in a pita)? Look out world, here I bean.
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Answer To Last Week’s Quiz…WATERMELON…Congrats To All Winners
Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702
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Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2015